WINE EXPORTS SURPASS $500 MILLION

The latest data from Statistics New Zealand shows that wine exports to the USA have topped $500 million for the first time. This is a growth of 11% growth from last year. This is good news for the industry, which is aiming for an export total of $2 billion by 2020, and CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers Philip Gregan says there is potential for significant growth in the US.

“New Zealand wine, especially, Sauvignon Blanc, is very popular in the US and we expect consumer demand to grow,” he said. “The new record level of wine exports into the world’s largest and most competitive market is an outstanding achievement for New Zealand wine exporters and testifies to the strong global demand for our wines.”

Total exports reached a new record of $1.63 billion last year, with wine now New Zealand’s fifth largest export good by value.